Jori Dowling, a 6-0 middle hitter from downstate Washington, was one of 14 members of the inaugural class of scholarship winners named by the Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF).
Each of the 14 winners are currently seniors at IHSA member high schools and will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their future education. To be eligible for the scholarship, the candidates had to be seniors at IHSA schools who plan to major in education in college, intend to get involved in the coaching profession after high school, or are currently licensed and actively working as an IHSA official.
Dowling was a three-year starter, team MVP and two-time all-Mid Illini Conference selection. She totaled 557 kills and 86 blocks over her three-year career, was named to the Macomb and Mahomet-Seymour all-tournament teams twice, was a United Township all-tournament choice this fall and an Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association all-state choice as a junior.
As a junior, Dowling helped her team win the first regional championship at Washington in 12 years and advance to the sectional finals. Dowling will continue her volleyball career at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.
A special mention selection on the Michio Chicago VBA/Illprepvb.com 2022 Girls All-State Volleyball Team, Dowling plays club ball for Eastside Volleyball Club in East Peoria.
“The goal of the IHSAF is to support the mission of the IHSA, and that mission cannot be achieved without the next generation of educators, coaches, and officials,” said Dr. Robert Nolting, the Superintendent of District 230 and President of the IHSAF Board of Directors.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to present scholarships to these 14 deserving young people who will positively impact high school students in the near future, as well as those already making a difference as licensed IHSA officials.”
The 14 honorees told their stories via a video submission, reflecting on how high school participation has impacted their lives, as well as why they have been inspired to teach, coach or officiate.
The Illinois High School Activities Foundation (IHSAF) is a private 401(c)3 non-profit organization that works in conjunction with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to support and advance the mission of the IHSA.
The IHSAF raises funding via its annual golf outing, named in honor of former IHSA Executive Director Dr. Marty Hickman, as well as other new initiatives like an online 50/50 drawing. The IHSAF is governed by an independent Board of Directors comprised of personnel from IHSA member schools.
To learn more about or contribute to the IHSAF, click here.
The other members of the inaugural class of scholarship winners includeJayden Bell (Huntley), Lilli Burton (Round Lake), Jenna Clark (Gillespie), Maria Clark (Grayslake North), Daja Coleman (East St. Louis) and Anna Enderle (Chicago Christian).
Also, Kevin Fist (Prairie Ridge), Addie Grebner (Metamora), Delaney Heidtke (Woodstock), Auston Koch (Bloomington Central Catholic), Adam McCollum (O’Fallon), Tyler Thalgott (Bloomington) and Aubree Wallace (Bethalto Civic Memorial).